The door swung slowly open. I stumbled into the darkness, managing to catch myself before I crashed into something. I turned back, staring at the people within the room, my friends, my family. Abby was curled against Aiden; she looked even younger and far more vulnerable in her sleep. Jenna was in a ball; her head rested on one of the old blankets that had been draped over a crate within the room. Cade was further in the back, sitting with his back against the wall, his chin on his chest. It was obvious he had fallen asleep while trying to keep watch. Bret was close to where I had been sleeping, I think he had been even closer to me, but had rolled away in his sleep.
I took one last look at them before I slid the door silently closed. I crept slowly up the stairs, being far quieter than I had ever thought I could be. But then again, there was a lot that I had done this day that I hadnt thought I ever would, or could, do. I had never dreamed I would fire a gun, let alone help to kill something with it.
Opening the door just a sliver, I stuck my eye against the crack as I struggled to see anything. My ears strained as I searched for noise. I felt brave enough, and secure enough, to open the door a little further before slipping completely out of the cellar. Sunlight filtered through the blinds, another day had risen; the world still turned, and I was still in hell.
The first thing I looked for was the bathroom, which I found in a small room behind the counter. I was horrified by the blood that streaked my face. My blue eyes were shadowed by dark circles; my long hair was a tangled mess I was half afraid I would have to cut off. There was a dark bruise forming on one side of my face, it took up most of my cheek. Beneath the bruise was a jagged slice about three inches long. I touched it tenderly, wincing as pain lanced through the area where the creature had struck me.
I turned the water on, and to the best of my ability, scrubbed the blood from my face and arms before ducking my head to wash as much of the blood out of my hair as I could. The water ran red and the sink was a mess by the time I was done. Fresh nausea turned through my stomach as I washed the blood splatters from the basin. I was able to keep from throwing up this time though.
I felt marginally better afterwards, but not much. I longed for the backpacks full of toothpaste and clothes that had been abandoned at my house. I longed for a hairbrush and conditioner as I struggled to unknot the tangles with my fingers. It took awhile, and I ripped out a lot of hair in the process, but I finally managed to get most of it unknotted.
Sighing softly, I made my way to the front of the store. The blinds were still drawn, but the sun crept in around the edges of them. I inhaled deeply, taking a moment of joy in its soothing warmth, and reassuring presence. All hell had broken lose, the world continued to turn, some form of life would go on. Even if it wasnt human.
My hand trembled as I reached forward and pulled one of the slats down. I peered cautiously out at the street. It was eerily quiet out there. Even eerier were the things left behind. Bicycles, papers, coffee cups, wallets, purses, and even shoes were scattered about the street, with other possessions, like discarded causalities of war. There were no bodies out there though, there were no people left at all.
I shuddered as I stared at the desolate scene. It almost seemed as if it might be safe to go outside again. I knew it wasnt. I may not be able to see them right now, but they were out there. Somewhere. But we couldnt stay here forever either. We would eventually have to move, they would find us if we didnt.
Or maybe they wouldnt
Bethany. I jumped slightly at the hissed whisper. Releasing the blind I turned as Cade
stepped out of the cellar. His eyes narrowed in displeasure, his full lips compressed into a tight line. The blood that had coated him last night was gone, and now that I thought of it, I realized that they had all been cleaner than me. They must have washed themselves after I had passed out last night. What are you doing?
All of the people are gone.
If you dont take better care of yourself youll be gone too, he muttered so quietly that I almost didnt catch it all.
Ive been taking care of myself for awhile now, I retorted, trying hard not to lose my patience. I had thought that he was different than Bret, that he had a little more confidence in me. Apparently I was wrong.
His midnight eyes raked me; his dark eyebrows drew sharply together. Then, his face relaxed slightly and a small smile pulled at the corners of his mouth. It was so very rare to see him smile that I had forgotten how sweet and melting it could be. He moved slowly toward me. Reaching behind me he pulled the blind apart to peer outside. My heart kicked up a beat; I could feel the blood rushing through my ears as it tripped eagerly along. His arm was near my head, the heat of his body pressed against me as he took a step closer.